After using the dictation app that came with the Samsung Galaxy, I decided to try remote dictation with Dragon’s NaturallySpeaking. After all, if I can write one article on two separate devices at the same time using Android’s default dictation software, imagine what I can do with NaturallySpeaking.

To use Dragon’s remote microphone feature you’ve got to have a current version of NaturallySpeaking and download the app. The remote microphone app is compatible with NaturallySpeaking versions 11.5 and 12 only. If you have anything earlier than that, you must upgrade in order to use the remote microphone feature.

Setting up the Remote Mic

Once NaturallySpeaking version 11.5 or 12 is properly installed on your computer, download (link for Android) and install the Dragon Remote Microphone app to your device (link for Apple). After the app is downloaded and installed go back to the NaturallySpeaking software on the computer and create a new profile for the remote microphone.

When you come the following screen during the profile set up process, it’s time to leave the computer and configure the remote microphone application on your device.

To configure the remote app you’ll need:

Current Profile Name

Computer Name (version 11.5 didn’t require computer name)

IP address

Computer Port

Version 11.5 users must manually insert the information on the remote app configuration screen. Version 12 users have the option of using their device’s camera to scan a barcode which auto fills the necessary information.

With the necessary configuration information inserted, everything is ready to roll. Go back to the computer and follow NaturallySpeaking’s simple on-screen instructions and you’re ready to dictate.

My Take on NaturallySpeaking’s Remote Dictation

NaturallySpeaking is more robust than the dictation software that came with my Android device. Although I use it for dictation only (and not for controlling my computer), I like the ability to bullet, number, bold, italicize, etc. via voice commands. While the Android software does a nice job of transcribing my words, NaturallySpeaking allows me to edit and format my work.

As for remote dictation in general, having the ability to wander as far as I wish with the only boundary being the signal strength of my Wi-Fi connection is liberating. I no longer hear a beep warning me that I’ve roamed out of range as used to happen with my wireless headphone. Plus, after reading the book “Disconnect” by Derva Davis, I’m happy to remove the headphones from my ears.

The only downside (if you want to call it a downside) is my Samsung Galaxy Note is 10.1 inches. The device is rather large to use as a microphone. It doesn’t allow the hands-free operation as I had with my wireless headset. Although, I can carry it from room to room and place it on a table nearby to allow me to continue pacing and dictating.

The other problem I run into on occasion is wandering too far and dictating too much only to come back to to the computer and find NaturallySpeaking waiting for a command to close an errant opened dialogue box. I can resolve this problem if I remember to switch to dictation mode instead of normal mode.

All in all I find the remote microphone app to be an asset that I’ll continue to use.

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